Is the Motion of a Rubber Ball in a Concave Surface Simple Harmonic Motion?

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The discussion centers on whether the motion of a rubber ball in a concave surface constitutes simple harmonic motion (SHM). The ball, when displaced and released, experiences a net acceleration derived from gravitational and frictional forces, leading to an equation of motion that suggests a relationship between acceleration and angular displacement. The analysis indicates that the angular acceleration is proportional to the angular displacement, which is characteristic of SHM. Participants clarify the role of friction, emphasizing that it facilitates rolling without energy dissipation, but do not definitively conclude if the motion is SHM. Overall, the consensus leans towards the likelihood of SHM in small oscillation scenarios like this one.
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Homework Statement



lets have a look on scene;
there is a concave of radius R.(like concave lens) there is a rubber ball of radius r(r<<R). It is placed in equilibrium position in the concave. Now it is displaced by small distance along concave and released,friction is sufficient enough for pure rolling of ball. What kind of motion will it did.

Homework Equations



all equations i know.

The Attempt at a Solution



let me say it's acceleration at any instant is a.net frictional force acting on the ball is f.
so our equation of motion comes out to be.
ma=mg*sin(θ)-f (here θ is the angle made by the center on the concave with line joining it with equilibrium position)
θ is too small so we can write sin(θ)=~θ
equation changes to
a=gθ-f/m
since it is pure rolling angular acceleration(α) = linear acceleration(a)/radius of ball(r)
so α=a/r
torque(T)=2/5mr2*α=2/5mr2a/r (taking around center of ball)
T=(frictional force)fr=2/5mr2a/r
from here we got the frictional=(2/5)ma
putting these values in first equation which was a=gθ-f/m
we got a+2/5a=gθ
simplifying it
a=5/7g θ
a=Ar=5/7gθ (A is angular acceleration with center of concave body with line joining it with mean position line)
A=5/7gθ/r
A directly proportional to θ.
hence this is equation of angular SHM.
this is my self generated question so can't tell what is it's answer in book. So it's u who will tell me either this answer is correct or incorrect?
Have i did any mistake in applying Torque equations?(i am not good in rotational dynamics)
If i am wrong somewhere then please tell me.I will thankful to u.
thanks!
 
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All that the fiction accomplishes is that it causes the ball to roll, apparently without slipping. This will not dissipate any energy.
 
SammyS said:
All that the fiction accomplishes is that it causes the ball to roll, apparently without slipping. This will not dissipate any energy.

If anything doesn't dissipate energy does it mean that it is SHM. I think no. You need to prove it to confirm.
 
vkash said:
If anything doesn't dissipate energy does it mean that it is SHM. I think no. You need to prove it to confirm.

I was merely making a statement to clarify the role of friction in this situation.

I have not stated that it is SHM, nor have I stated that it's not SHM.

However, I will say here, that most small oscillation problems, like this one, are SHM.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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